Can Elon Musk Push Bitcoin Into the Mainstream? Samson Mow Thinks So

The crypto market is buzzing with speculation about what billionaire Elon Musk might do next. According to Jan3 founder Samson Mow, the Tesla CEO and cryptocurrency advocate is poised to make a significant move into Bitcoin in 2026. It’s one of several ambitious predictions Mow has laid out for the year ahead, joining a chorus of optimists betting on BTC’s explosive growth.

The relationship between Elon Musk and cryptocurrency has always been complicated. While he’s openly supported digital assets, Tesla’s experience with Bitcoin tells a different story. In May 2021, the company halted Bitcoin payments citing environmental concerns. By July 2022, Tesla had offloaded 75% of its Bitcoin reserves, signaling a more cautious stance toward the leading cryptocurrency.

Yet Mow remains convinced that a turnaround is coming. His bullish stance isn’t just about Elon Musk—it reflects deeper market dynamics he believes will reshape the crypto landscape in 2026.

Bitcoin Could Hit Seven Figures

Mow’s most eye-catching forecast? Bitcoin reaching $1.33 million in 2026, representing roughly a 1,367% surge from current price levels around $95.48K. This projection builds on his earlier statements that Bitcoin would break into seven-figure territory either during 2025 or 2026.

“It’s a given at this point, maybe this year, maybe next year,” Mow told Magazine back in June 2025.

What’s driving such optimistic price targets? Mow points to nation-state adoption as the missing catalyst. He’s noted that an increasing number of countries are preparing to embrace Bitcoin at the institutional level. This shift from gradual adoption to sudden widespread acceptance could be the inflection point the market needs.

Beyond Bitcoin: Bets on MSTR and Gold

Mow isn’t limiting his 2026 predictions to Bitcoin alone. He forecasts Michael Saylor’s Microstrategy (MSTR) stock could soar to $5,000 per share—a potential 3,084% increase from its current level near $157. He also expects Bitcoin to “outperform metals” and predicts that at least one country will issue a Bitcoin-backed bond.

These predictions come as gold and silver recently hit record highs of $4,549 and $83 respectively in December, setting the stage for an interesting comparison between traditional and digital assets.

The Conservative Camp Disagrees

Not everyone in crypto is this optimistic. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan offered a more measured perspective, suggesting investors should expect steady returns over the next decade rather than explosive gains. “I think we’re in a 10-year grind upward of strong returns,” he said on December 28, noting that volatility may decrease alongside returns.

This more cautious tone reflects lessons from 2025, when several high-profile crypto predictions fell flat. Arthur Hayes and Tom Lee predicted Bitcoin would reach $250,000 by year-end 2025—a forecast that didn’t materialize even as BTC climbed to an all-time high of $125,100.

Mow’s willingness to make bold calls despite past misses suggests confidence in the structural shifts he believes are underway. Whether Elon Musk delivers on the anticipated Bitcoin pivot remains to be seen, but the convergence of institutional adoption, nation-state interest, and prominent supporters like Mow could create the perfect conditions for a breakthrough year in 2026.